Take a Bow!

In the West, when saying hello we often greet people with a quick wave of the hand, or even a simple hand shake when meeting people for the first time. Here in East Asia it's all about the bow.


Before arriving in Korea, I of course brushed up on some traditional Korean ways using my trusty Lonely Planet guide. Pages of traditional customs outlining the ins- and outs of the Korean lifestyle. The one thing that panicked me was of course the whole concept of the bow. Who knew one concept could muster up so much fear. Who do you bow to? How far to you go? Is it a head nod, or from the waist?

Within the first few days I learned that bowing is a form of greeting as well as a form of respect- and to reflect differences in social standing. So I bow to those who are older, and head nod to those that are of equal social position. Those that are younger than me, give a full bow, hinging from the waist. Basically, the bowing occurs when there is a social relationship. So, if I were just walking around town you wouldn't catch all younger people bowing down, but those that know me would be required to.

What I can tell you is this- it's a concept I'd love to bring back home with me. I admit that my ego may be taking over here, as there is this pseudo superstar feeling that comes along when you're walking down the halls and teenagers fully bow down to you. I can't help but feel like nobility when walking through the halls of my school.

Wouldn't it be wonderful if upon my return home, my younger siblings bowed down to me- and all of my younger friends? What if I were dating a younger man- he'd have to bow every time we met up. There may be some advantages to be thirty one after all. Of course this is such a pleasant thought- but I have a feeling this would only happen in my wildest western dreams.